----- Original Message -----
From: Anja Light
To: ts-07discussion@...
Cc: Steve Dalton ; Bill Livermore ; Inge Light ; Peter Murtagh ; Craig Reiach
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 1:52 PM
Subject: [TS-07discussion] Families at the Peace Convergence


Families and the Peace Convergence

Sometime ago I indicated to the discussion group my interest (along with my
friend Suzanne Swan) in supporting and encouraging the participation of families
in the Peace Convergence (www.peaceconvergence.com). Since then a dilemma has
arisen - concerns have been expressed in bringing children to Yeppoon to be in
any proximity to the war games given the risk of exposure to any chemicals
released through the bombing activities.

As a mother I would never willingly put my children in harms way – yet we live
in a world where our children are continuously exposed to the poisons of our
society (both physical and in other forms) as well as the growing risks and
dangers of global conflict. Children live in Yeppoon (where the Peace
Convergence will be based), children live in Byfield (directly neighbouring the
testing grounds), children play at Great Keppel Island (similar distance to the
testing area as Yeppoon) and have done throughout previous war games exercises.
In past war games depleted uranium may well have been used in ammunition (the
military promises not to use DU during the 2007 war games – but their lies of
the past don’t give us much reason to trust them). This doesn’t make it safe for
anyone, but I believe it helps put in context our choice to bring our children
along for the few days we will be in Yeppoon to support the Peace Convergence.

We are suggesting:

- that within the camping area there is a space for children’s activities,
- that families bring along materials (paint, fabrics etc) to make colourful,
creative banners, costumes and other materials to be used during demonstrations.
Bringing musical instruments and practicing some songs that can be part of the
event is also appreciated!,
- that families camp close to each other in perhaps a dedicated part of the
camping ground,
- that we encourage a family tolerant, friendly and safe atmosphere in the
camping area (alcohol/smoking free would be a great bonus!)
- that children have the choice to participate in the peace rallies and marches
in Rockhampton and Yeppoon (around 30 kms distance from the military exercise
area) but are not encouraged to go any closer to the actions closer to the
training area. We are not encouraging children to be involved in non-violent
direct action, but would like to create an atmosphere of support for children of
parents who may wish to join in these activities.
- that our children are encouraged to tell other children at their schools that
they will be going to the peace convergence and perhaps start their own
campaigns to raise awareness about peace issues as school. If you have a
sympathetic school, perhaps a petition or letter writing or supportive banners
could be made as a school project to bring along to the convergence.

We participate in the Peace Convergence on our own and our children’s behalf to
actively create a peaceful world.

We believe that all children should have the right to express their desire for
the world they want in the future. We think they should have the right to
witness that ‘war’ has come to our shores by our government allowing these games
to go ahead. We hope our children will view the opportunity to ‘witness’ these
war games is a valid way to promote peace.

Please feel free to make contact with us if you are planning to bring your
children and/or would like to help us in supporting a family presence at the
Peace Convergence.
For Life,


Anja Light
anjalight@...
and
Suzanne Swan
suzanne.swan@...


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